Child Care Center Director: Job Description, Duties and Outlook

Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a child care center director. Get a quick view of the requirements as well as details about education, job duties and licensure requirements to find out if this is the career for you.

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Essential Information

Child care center directors oversee the day-to-day operations of a child care center. Professionals in this career come from a variety of educational backgrounds, including high school graduates and those with an associate's or bachelor's degree. Licensing is typically necessary, with states mandating the specific requirements. Another commonly required credential is Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. Prior work in early childhood education is also essential in most states.

Required Education

High school diploma; some positions require an associate's or bachelor's degree

Other Requirements

License and CDA often required; early childhood education experience usually necessary

Projected Job Growth (2012-2022)*

17%

Median Salary (2013)*

$44,890 annually

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Description

The job description of a child care center director is similar to that of any school administrator. However, child care center directors mainly oversee facilities that house younger children. They work in preschools, nursery schools, daycare centers, pre-kindergarten programs, group homes and, in some cases, school systems to oversee and coordinate child care and educational programs.

Job Duties

Child care center directors are responsible for setting the tone for the facility, managing the curriculum, overseeing physical facilities, hiring staff and managing the overall image of the center. They sometimes also ensure compliance with all local and federal laws governing child care, both in regard to the physical environment and the staff, and manage the financial affairs of the child care facility.

Curriculum Development

Center directors work with qualified center staff to develop an appropriate curriculum and ensure that it complies with state and federal requirements. In the case of specialized schools, such as Montessori schools, the center director ensures that the curriculum complies with the specific requirements of that designation.

Facilities Management

Child care center directors make sure that the center's physical facilities comply with local, state and federal laws and are a safe and appropriate environment for children. Directors have knowledge of local, state and federal laws regarding safety requirements and inspection and certification procedures, and ensure that the center complies with those requirements. The center director also evaluates and purchases equipment and supplies for the center or approves requests to purchase materials and equipment.

The director ensures that all staff meet the requirements for their jobs; for example, the director orders staff background checks and confirms that necessary licenses are valid. Child care directors are also responsible for maintaining their own qualifications; most states require child care center directors to complete continuing education courses each year, in addition to other requirements.

Parental Communication and Involvement

While for many parents, their child's teacher is the primary point of contact in the school, the director often serves as the 'face' of the school, managing communication with parents and the community. The director develops policies for the school and communicates the policies to parents. Directors also often meet with parents of prospective students to determine whether the school is a good fit for the family.

Financial Responsibilities

Child care center directors are responsible for the financial management of the center. This means that they develop budget, manage the accounting and oversee accounts payable and receivable. The director also develops the marketing plan for the center, developing public relations and advertising campaigns as necessary.

Career Outlook and Salary Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for child care center directors is expected to grow faster than average, at 17%, between 2012 and 2022 (www.bls.gov). The BLS suggests that the growth in this field is attributable to the increase in state-sponsored early childhood education and a growing acceptance of the need for pre-kindergarten education. As more families send their young children to early childhood education programs, the demand for these services and qualified directors increases.

As of May 2013, the median annual wage for a preschool and child care center administrator was $44,890.